Cholera

Cholera is rare in the United States, but it’s still common in some other countries. Every year, more than 100,000 people around the world die from cholera. The good news is the cholera vaccine can lower the risk that people traveling to countries with cholera will get the disease.

The cholera vaccine is very effective at preventing the severe diarrhea (watery poop) and throwing up caused by this disease. Cholera symptoms can lead to dehydration (not having enough water in the body), kidney failure, or coma that can be deadly if it isn’t treated right away.

Americans can come in contact with cholera while traveling. If you’re traveling to a country where cholera is spreading, getting vaccinated is one way to protect yourself.

Side effects are usually mild and go away in a few days. They may include:

Stomach pain

Feeling tired

Headache

Not feeling hungry

Upset stomach

Diarrhea

Serious side effects from the cholera vaccine are very rare.

Like any medicine, there's a very small chance that the cholera vaccine could cause a serious reaction. Keep in mind that getting the cholera vaccine is much safer than getting cholera. Learn more about vaccine side effects.